Sensor and transmission control circuit in adaptive interface package

ABSTRACT

A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output an alert signal to security server.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/145,747 entitled “Sensor And Transmission Control Circuit InAdaptive Interface Package” filed on Jun. 25, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.7,696,870 issued on Apr. 13, 2010 which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/351,112 entitled “Sensor And TransmissionControl Circuit In Adaptive Interface Package” filed on Feb. 8, 2006,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,397,369 issued on Jul. 8, 2008 which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/651,398, entitled “SensorAnd Transmission Control Circuit In Adaptive Interface Package” filed onFeb. 8, 2005, the entire contents of these are herein incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an interface for electricalcomponents, and more specifically, an interface for use in a sensor thatprovides power as needed to associated sensors.

BACKGROUND

Public safety is constantly threatened by environmental dangers. Forexample, a plume of smoke from a dirty bomb can quickly consume ametropolitan area to cause mass harm. In another example, ports receivemillions of cargo containers every year, while only a few are inspectedfor terrorist sabotaging. In response, the Department of HomelandSecurity has promulgated initiatives for threat monitoring and readinessthat are designed to prevent threats and to improve emergency response.Conventionally, a threat is manually observed, and a call is made to 911which has to be routed to the correct authorities.

One shortcoming of conventional automated detection systems is that theyare typically hardwired for a specific type of environmental condition.Thus, once the system is manufactured, it cannot be adapted fordifferent environments. Furthermore, current detection systems typicallyhave complex deployment requirements or short deployment periods. Forexample, some detection systems are wired to a power source. Otherdetection systems must be constantly serviced to replace batteries.

Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for a robustdetection system that is easily deployable and is low-powered to providea long deployment life. Additionally, a need exists for a sensorinterface system and method for allowing specialized user sensors andtransmit systems to function together.

SUMMARY

The present invention addresses the above needs by providing systems andmethods for interfacing electronic components. In one embodiment, aprogrammable interface module includes a linear power regulator tocontrol and provide power to interfaced components on an as neededbasis.

The interface module can be implemented in, for example, a sensor packand multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. The sensor modules maybe used in a variety of applications like threat detection, air qualitymonitoring, personnel tracking, fire detection and prevention, waterquality monitoring, tank level gauging, perimeter/border monitoring,asset/vehicle tracking, remote meters, buoys, ship movement, fishingvessel monitoring, power line monitoring, general monitoring etc.

In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relativelysmall amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signalresponsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-rayradiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switchthe linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linearvoltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detectingsensor module. The sensor module can then provide a level indicative ofa concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If thelevel surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output analert signal to security server.

In one embodiment, a configuration module within the interface modulesallows adaptation to later-added sensor modules, even if notcontemplated during manufacturing. Thus, the sensor pack can beconfigured for a particular use (e.g., a particular sensitivity), andthen configured with instructions and data related to that use.

In one embodiment, the interface module may provide applicationprogramming interface (API) to third party sensor developers forintegrating their sensors with the detection system. In anotherembodiment, no such APIs are needed. The interface module insteadprovides a hardware interface with plug-and-play capabilities. When thethird party vendor plugs their sensor into the hardware containinginterface module, the interface module detects the new sensor,establishes communication with the new sensors, and integrates thesensor into the detection system.

Advantageously, the interface module can adapt to various types ofinterfaced components. Furthermore, the interface module has low-powerusage for long-term deployments.

The features and advantages described in the specification are not allinclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantageswill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of thedrawings, specifications, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood byconsidering the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for sensing environmentalanomalies according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a sensor pack in the system accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a logical system for detecting anomaliesaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a logical sensor pack of the logical systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for sensing environmental anomaliesaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for outputting an alert signal inresponse to detecting an environmental anomaly according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods related to an interface module for sensors (e.g., inlow-power applications) are described. In one embodiment, the interfacemodule is included in a system for detecting threats. Accordingly, theinterface module uses a linear voltage regulator to provide power tosensors as needed for detecting ambient inputs. Power regulation tosensors allows long-term deployments over several years. The ambientinputs can include, for example, a smoke plume from a dirty bomb,radiation from hazardous substances, a sudden temperature rise from afire, and the like. Thus, although the example of a threat detectionsystem is described herein, the invention can be modified forapplications in other systems such as a fire detection system, a theftprevention system, an asset tracking system, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for detectingenvironmental anomalies according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The system 100 comprises sensors 110 a-f and a satelliteserver 120. Sensors 110 a-f of the present example are deployed aroundcity streets. In other examples, sensors 110 a-f can be alternativelydeployed on a ship or other form of intermodal transport, a militaryoperations site, and the like.

Sensor 110 e is outputting an alert signal to satellite server 120. Asdescribed in more detail below, sensors 110 a-f can output alert signalsresponsive to detecting an environmental condition that surpasses athreshold. Satellite server 120 provides communications over a widedeployment range.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a sensor 110 deployed on a freight container 210according to one embodiment of the present invention. Sensor 110 in thepresent embodiment is attached to freight container 210 using screws,magnets, glue, or other mechanisms. Sensor 110 protects its componentsfor long term deployment with a durable case composed of, for example,plastic or metal. In one embodiment, sensor 110 is compact, havingdimension of, for example, 6 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and 2 inchestall.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system 300 which is a logicalrepresentation of system 100 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. System 300 comprises sensor packs 310 a-f and a securityserver 320. Sensor packs 310 a-f are communicatively coupled withsecurity server 320 over using, for example, low-frequency RF signals.

Sensor packs 110 a-d receive ambient inputs from its surroundings, andoutput alert signals to security server 110. In one embodiment, sensorpacks 110 a-d can include components as illustrated in FIG. 4. Sensorpacks 110 a-d detect environmental anomalies from the ambient inputs. Inone embodiment, responsive to an ambient input surpassing a thresholdlevel, a corresponding sensor pack 110 generates the alert signal fortransmission to security server as described in more detail below. Forexample, a smoke plume from a dirty bomb can emit particles that aredetected by cadmium zinc telluride (CZT).

Security server 320 receives the alert signal. Security server 320 caninclude, for example, a software application executing on a personalcomputer or server blade. In one embodiment, security server 320identifies the location and type of anomaly from the alert signal.Security server 320 can provide a user interface (i.e., directly orremotely through a client) which visually identifies the alerting sensorpack over a graphical map. For example, a local fire station that isnear the alerting sensor pack can be alarmed for a response. The firestation can equip fire trucks and operators with equipment used to dealwith particular anomalies identified by alerting sensor packs (e.g., abomb defusing kit).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of sensor pack 310 of the system according toone embodiment of the present invention. Sensor pack 310 comprisessensor modules 412-415, interface module 420, communication module 430,and power module 440.

Sensor modules receive the environmental (or ambient) conditions, andgenerate level signals. Sensor modules 412-415 include a radiationsensor module 412, a temperature sensor module 413, and future sensormodules 414, 415. Future sensor modules 414, 415 are later-developedsensor modules 412-415 that can be added to sensor pack 310 aftermanufacture. Sensor modules 412-415 can include elements to senseenvironmental conditions with little or no power. For example, radiationsensor module 412 can include CZT and temperature sensor module 413 caninclude mercury. In a first mode, sensor modules 412-415 are capable ofoutputting a relatively small electrical signal in response to detectingan associated environmental condition. Each of sensor modules 412-415are sensitive to at least one environmental condition. For example,radiation sensor module 412 can detect output from a dirty bomb ordetect small amounts of gamma, and temperature sensor module 413 candetect large changes in temperature. In a second mode, a detectingsensor receives power. In turn, the detecting sensor outputs the levelsignals having amplitude indicative of a concentration or intensity ofthe environmental condition.

Interface module 420 receives the level signals, and outputs a thresholdsignal. Interface module 420 includes a configuration module 422, alinear voltage regulator 424, and a processor 426. Interface module 420can be, for example, an integrated semiconductor circuit (e.g., formedfrom silicon oxide or gallium arsenide). Configuration module 422 can bea programmable memory such as EEPROM or some other type of memoryelement. Configuration module 422 can store instructions and datarelated to operating sensor modules 412-415. For example, configurationmodule 422 stores threshold levels and other communication protocols.Configuration module 422 can be reconfigured with updated information ornew information about a new type of sensor module (e.g., future sensormodule 414, 415) by flashing the memory. In one embodiment, theInterface Module 420 may provide application programming interface (API)to third party sensor developers. The third party developers may usethese APIs to convert their sensors to sensor packs 310. In anotherembodiment, no such APIs are needed. The interface module 420 insteadprovides a hardware interface with plug-and-play capabilities. When thethird party vendor plugs their sensor into the hardware containinginterface module 420, the interface module detects the new sensor andestablishes communication with the new sensors. Once the communicationis established, the new sensor becomes the logical equivalent of sensormodules 412-415. The new sensor therefore can deliver level signals toInterface module 420 in response to detecting a range over the newsensor's threshold. Processor module 426 can be a controller thatexecutes instructions against conditions received from inputs.

Linear voltage regulator 424 can step down voltage from power module 440for output to sensor modules 414-415. In a first mode, linear voltageregulator 424 provides a relatively small electrical signal, such as 6micro amps while sleeping and 500 milliamps during a 1.3 secondtransmit. In one embodiment, processor 426 compares a received levelsignal to predetermined thresholds. Responsive to detecting a levelsignal above a wake threshold, linear voltage regulator provides powerto the associated sensor module. The sensor modules thus have enoughpower to produce the level signal at higher amplitudes as discussedabove. Responsive to detecting a level signal above a threshold,interface module generates the threshold signal. Additionally, in oneembodiment, linear voltage regulator also provides power tocommunication module.

Communication module 430 receives the threshold signal, and outputs analert signal. Communication module 430 includes components such astransceivers (e.g., RF transceivers), encoders, antennae, and the like.Communication module 430 can be, for example, a plug-in module, or asemiconductor chip that is integrated onto the same PCB as, for example,interface module 420. In one embodiment, communication module 430 uses ahandshaking protocol to initiate communication with security server 320(e.g., to present authentication credentials). Communication module 430provides the alert signal to indicate that a stimuli level has surpassedthe predetermined threshold. Additional information can include locationinformation, a unique identifier, stimuli type, stimuli level, and thelike. In some embodiments, communication module 430 includes a GPS(Global Positioning Satellite) module to determine a location of sensorpack. For example, when sensor pack is coupled to a moving platform suchas ship cargo or train freight, its location is constantly changing. TheGPS module can determine the current location of moving platform andtransmit the platform's location through Communication module 430 tosecurity server 320.

Power module 440 outputs electrical power to various components such asinterface module. Power module 440 can comprise, for example, a DCbattery, a voltage source (e.g., to provide 3.6V), a current source, andthe like. In one embodiment, power module 440 provides the raw powerused by linear voltage regulator 324 to activate sensor modules 412-415.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 used in one embodiment of thepresent invention. Method 500 can be implemented using, for example, thecomponents of system 300 discussed above.

A coverage area is modeled and analyzed 510 by a software application.For example, a grid of city streets can be input to the applicationwhich determines an approximate area or density for which sensor packs(e.g., sensor packs 310 a-f) should be placed for optimal coverage.

The sensor packs are deployed around the coverage area 520. Variousmechanisms can be used to securely attach the sensor packs to stablebases. For example, the sensor packs can be attached to buildings, lightpoles, and other municipal structures.

In response to detecting an environmental anomaly, a sensor pack outputsan alert signal 530, as discussed below in greater detail in associationwith FIG. 6. For example, in response to a dirty bomb detonation, aradiation sensor module (e.g., radiation sensor module 412) can detectsmall amounts of gamma radiation.

A response center associated with the alerting sensor pack is notified540. The alert signal is passed to a security server (e.g., securityserver 320) through a communication medium such as a satellite. In someembodiments, additional verification can be required before contactingthe response center. For example, a second alert signal from a separatesensor pack can be used for verification. At the response center, thepersonnel can be alerted using, for example, a telephone call, a bell,and the like. Additionally, a location of the anomaly can be presentedwith a graphical user interface showing a grid of city streets.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating additional details for outputting530 the alert signal responsive to detecting the environmental anomalyaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

The sensor packs remain in a first mode during normal, sleep,operations. As such, the sensor packs use a low amount of power and canhave a battery life of multiple years. Once an environmental conditionabove a wake threshold is detected 610, the sensor pack switches to asecond mode. In the second mode, a linear voltage regulator (e.g.,linear voltage regulator 424) ramps up the power provided to an alertingsensor pack. In turn, the alerting sensor pack is able to output a levelsignal indicative of the intensity of the environmental condition. Theinterface module monitors the level, and if a threshold is surpassed630, an alert signal is output 640.

The order in which the steps of the methods of the present invention areperformed is purely illustrative in nature. The steps can be performedin any order or in parallel, unless otherwise indicated by the presentdisclosure. The methods of the present invention may be performed inhardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof operating on asingle computer or multiple computers of any type. Software embodyingthe present invention may comprise computer instructions in any form(e.g., source code, object code, interpreted code, etc.) stored in anycomputer-readable storage medium (e.g., a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic media,a compact disc, a DVD, etc.). Such software may also be in the form ofan electrical data signal embodied in a carrier wave propagating on aconductive medium or in the form of light pulses that propagate throughan optical fiber.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatchanges and modifications may be made without departing from thisinvention in its broader aspect and, therefore, the appended claims areto encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications, asfall within the true spirit of this invention.

In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the artthat the invention can be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram formin order to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment.

Some portions of the detailed description are presented in terms ofalgorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bitswithin a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the means used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desiredresult. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physicalquantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take theform of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It hasproven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, torefer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters,terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the discussion, it isappreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing termssuch as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or“displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of acomputer system, or similar electronic computing device, thatmanipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic)quantities within the computer system's registers and memories intoother data similarly represented as physical quantities within thecomputer system memories or registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations herein. This apparatus can be specially constructed for therequired purposes, or it can comprise a general-purpose computerselectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored inthe computer. Such a computer program can be stored in a computerreadable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type ofdisk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, andmagnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random accessmemories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any typeof media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupledto a computer system bus.

The algorithms and modules presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purposesystems can be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatuses to perform the method steps. The required structure for avariety of these systems will appear from the description below. Inaddition, the present invention is not described with reference to anyparticular programming language. It will be appreciated that a varietyof programming languages can be used to implement the teachings of theinvention as described herein. Furthermore, as will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the relevant art, the modules, features,attributes, methodologies, and other aspects of the invention can beimplemented as software, hardware, firmware or any combination of thethree. Of course, wherever a component of the present invention isimplemented as software, the component can be implemented as astandalone program, as part of a larger program, as a plurality ofseparate programs, as a statically or dynamically linked library, as akernel loadable module, as a device driver, and/or in every and anyother way known now or in the future to those of skill in the art ofcomputer programming. Additionally, the present invention is in no waylimited to implementation in any specific operating system orenvironment.

It will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that theabove-described implementations are merely exemplary, and many changescan be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Therefore, it is intended by the appended claims tocover all such changes and modifications that come within the truespirit and scope of this invention.

1. A sensor pack system with an interface configured for asset tracking,comprising: a sensor module for sensing an asset environment status andgenerating a signal indicating status therefrom, the sensor modulehaving associated configuration information related to operation of thesensor module; a programmable interface module coupled to the sensormodule and configured to receive the status signal and output athreshold signal, the programmable interface comprising: a configurationmodule to receive the configuration information through wired orwireless communication, or update the configuration information,allowing adaptation to operation with the sensor module wherein theconfiguration module is configured to store configuration information; aprocessor, communicatively coupled to the interface module that executesone or more instructions responsive to one or more signals received fromthe sensor module; and a communication module, communicatively coupledto the interface module, for outputting an alert in response to saidthreshold signal indicating the status signal has met an alertthreshold.
 2. The sensor pack system of claim 1, wherein thecommunication module is communicatively coupled to a satellite serverand the communication module transmits the alert signal to the satelliteserver.
 3. The sensor pack system of claim 1, wherein the sensor moduleis coupled to a moving object and the communication module is configuredto receive a change in location of the moving object and outputinformation about the change in location.
 4. The sensor pack system ofclaim 1, wherein the sensor module is coupled to a marine vehicle. 5.The sensor pack system of claim 1, wherein the sensor module is coupledto a military asset.
 6. The sensor pack system of claim 1, wherein thesensor module is coupled to a vehicle.
 7. The sensor pack system ofclaim 1, wherein the sensor pack system is coupled to a mobile asset,the environmental status is related to a location of the mobile asset,and the sensor pack system transmits location of the mobile assetresponsive to an event associated with the mobile asset.
 8. A method fortracking an asset, comprising: sensing, at a sensor module, an assetenvironment status and generating a signal indicating a statustherefrom, the sensor module having associated configuration informationrelated to operation of the sensor module; receiving, at a programmableinterface module, the status signal and outputting a threshold signal,the programmable interface comprising a configuration module to receivethe configuration information through wired or wireless communication,or update the configuration information, allowing adaptation tooperation with the sensor module wherein the configuration module isconfigured to store configuration information; and outputting an alertin response to said threshold signal indicating the status signal hasmet an alert threshold.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein acommunication module outputs the alert and the communication module iscommunicatively coupled to a satellite server and the communicationmodule transmits the alert signal to the satellite server.
 10. Themethod of claim 8 wherein the sensor module is coupled to a movingobject, the method further comprising: receiving a change in location ofthe moving object; and outputting information about the change inlocation.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensor module iscoupled to a marine vehicle.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein thesensor module is coupled to a military asset.
 13. The method of claim 8,wherein the sensor module is coupled to a vehicle.
 14. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the sensor module is coupled to a mobile asset, theenvironment status is related to a location of the mobile asset, and thealert threshold is associated with the location of the asset.